News of: Wednesday, 31st of March, 2010

Front Page

The ongoing electricity crisis took heavy toll on the patients as Dhaka Medical College Hospital experienced three hours of power cuts yesterday, causing halt to services and immense sufferings to patients.

The investigation agency formed for trying war crimes yesterday visited the Liberation War Museum at the city's Segunbagicha and collected 10 books, booklets and two CDs on war crimes committed during Bangladesh's war of independence in 1971.

The civil aviation and tourism ministry yesterday sought explanation from the Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh (CAAB) on the departure of Mir Kasem Ali, a Jamaat-e-Islami leader, through the Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport.

The government is likely to curtail annual development programme allocation for under-performing ministries and the amount will be diverted to those ministries who showed better performance in implementing ADP.

The 105-year-old High Court building, which witnessed many historic events, is suddenly going through phases of quick maintenance, as the landmark trial of alleged war criminals would put a huge load on the place.

A Dhaka court yesterday asked the Jamaat-e-Islami ameer and secretary general and three others to appear before it on April 28 in connection with a case filed against them for hurting religious sentiment of Muslims.

The Turkish government is going to support Bangladesh in dredging its rivers and in implementing the much-expected Dhaka Medical College and Hospital Phase-II project inside the existing hospital premises.

Detective Branch (DB) of police yesterday claimed of getting important information from Dakat Shahid's two accomplices who killed the Dhaka City Corporation ward councillor Ahmed Hossain, also a Jubo Dal leader.

Ishwardi upazila administration in Pabna ordered to cancel the names of 11 rich and ruling Awami League men who were included in the employment generation programme (EGP), a special safety net for the ultra poor.

Editorial

Muhammad Zamir is poised to take over as chief information commissioner (CIC). We take this opportunity to offer our congratulations to him. We believe that a man of his background, with his dynamism and his grasp of the issues that matter, will be able to infuse energy and the sense of purpose that are so much needed for the Information Commission to become a vibrant body. The new CIC should make it his clear objective to have the provisions of the Right to Information Act translated into reality, for that will not only add to the quality of democratic politics but will also enhance the degree of the political consciousness of the people. We wish him the best in his new endeavour.

Polluted water is giving rise to a public health emergency that should make all concerned roll up their sleeves and act. Combined with drying out of water sources and poor sanitary conditions, contaminated water in extensive city areas is triggering an outbreak of diarrhoeal diseases of a rather dreadful proportion. Empirically, all previous data seem to have been surpassed with a monthly average of some 11,000 requiring and receiving treatment at the International Centre for Diarrhoeal Diseases and Research, Bangladesh (ICDDR'B), Mohakhali .

Sports

There was no surprise and experiment when the national cricket selectors announced a 15-member squad on Tuesday recalling Mashrafe Bin Mortaza and Mohammad Ashraful for the ICC World Twenty20 in West Indies in April-May.

Chittagong Mohammedan bounced back from their defeat in the first match in style by drubbing Chittagong Tigers by a massive 117 runs in their clash of the Port City Cricket League (PCL) at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium yesterday.

Brett Lee will be back in Australian colours at the World Twenty20 after being chosen for the first time since undergoing elbow surgery last year. Lee, 33, retired from Tests to prolong his limited-overs career and his reputation has won him a spot alongside Shaun Tait, Dirk Nannes and Mitchell Johnson for the tournament starting in the Caribbean next month.

A brace from Maisha powered Sir John Wilson School to a 2-0 win over Green Herald International School on the opening day of the Citycell Dhaka Metropolis Schoolgirls' Football tournament at the Dhanmondi Women's Sports Complex yesterday.

It was a clash between table-toppers Mumbai Indians and bottom-of-the-pile Kings XI Punjab at the IPL T20 tournament last night. And it was the Mumbaikars who came out victorious by four wickets, albeit after a stiff contest.

Record-breaking batsman Mohammad Yousuf, who said Monday he was bowing out of international cricket, is one of Pakistan's most enigmatic players, a high-profile Muslim convert whose life story is one of rags to riches.

Mitchell Johnson took out his frustration at a first Test pair by hurting New Zealand and putting Australia on target for a comfortable series clean sweep. Johnson stung the hosts in their impossible pursuit of 479 with 3 for 39 and left a few physical bruises as well during hostile spells either side of tea.

As many as thirteen players advanced to the next round of the men's singles event of the Runner Group Independence Day Open Tennis competition after winning their respective games at the National Tennis Complex in Ramna yesterday.

Thierry Henry will make an emotional return to Arsenal for Wednes-day's Champions League quarterfinal, but the Barcelona striker could be forced to surrender the spotlight at the Emirates Stadium to his team-mate Lionel Messi.

Inter Milan's defeat to AS Roma at the weekend has sparked worries that the Serie A leaders are suffering from fatigue ahead of Wednesday's Champions League quarterfinal, first leg at home to CSKA Moscow.

Industrial and Infrastructure Development Finance Company (IIDFC) Ltd yesterday signed a deal with India's National Small Industries Corporation (NSIC) Ltd to get technical support to help set up the first private sector ICT village in Bangladesh.

Sheikh Masum, 30, came to know one year ago that banks will give loan to bear his costs for overseas employment. He went to a bank branch with a high hope that he would not need to mortgage his land or borrow from the village lenders.

The main development challenge the country is facing now is the gap between savings and new investment, and if a balance is ensured, Bangladesh will be able to increase its public expenditure up to 20 percent, said the finance minister yesterday.

CONTINENTAL INSURANCENormal trade of the insurer's shares resumes today following the announcement of record date for AGM and EGM. On receipt of SEC nod, another record date for entitlement of the proposed rights share will be notified.

Toyota promised Tuesday to respond faster to customer complaints as it held its first meeting of a committee of quality experts set up to help salvage a reputation battered by massive recalls and reports of runaway vehicles.

The hearing on a writ petition challenging the validity of the law enforcers' action barring a photography exhibition on much-talked-about extrajudicial killings at Drik Gallery in the city could not take place before the High Court yesterday following a time petition moved by the government side.

Despite repeated calls to cooperate with the government for trying war criminals, BNP is hatching a conspiracy to foil the process of trying war criminals by making audacious remarks, said State Minister for Law Quamrul Islam yesterday.

Today is the 6th death anniversary of Prof Noorun Nahar Fyzennessa of IER, Dhaka University, former provost of Rokeya Hall, first woman member of DU syndicate, first woman member of Pay Commission, president of Dhaka City Mahila Parishad, says a press release.

Education Minister Nurul Islam Nahid yesterday said the government has completed all necessary preparations to hold the Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC) and its equivalent examinations in a peaceful and free of cheating environment.

Speakers at a programme yesterday urged the government to increase the coverage of social safety net for the rapidly growing aged population, including enhanced medical services, social pensions and insurance coverage.

Academic activities at Chittagong University were hampered for the second consecutive day as Bangladesh Chhatra League activists continued their agitation programme halting CU shuttle trains here yesterday.

National

A staggering 297 of 415 level crossings on 540 kilometres rail tracks in eight northern districts under Lalmonirhat West Zone Railway Division have remained without gates and gatemen for a long time, exposing commuters and vehicles to accidents.

Leaders and activists of Bangladesh Chhatra League (BCL) at Rajshahi University (RU) yesterday laid a siege to the office of the statistics department alleging secret liaison between a section of teachers and Shibir men.

Transport owners and workers yesterday jointly enforced a transport strike on all routes of the district for an indefinite period. Rangpur Motor Bus Owners Association and Rangpur Transport Workers Union enforced the strike to press home their 12-point demand including reconstruction of three bus terminals of the town. At a press conference held here on Monday, association secretary Moshiur Rahman Ranga and Rangpur Transport Workers' Association secretary Abdul Majid declared that they would continue the strike until their demands are met.

Two workers were killed in mud collapse while working at a brick field at Sandalpur village in Dhanbari upazila on Monday afternoon. Deceased Abdul Halim, 25, and Nurul Islam alias Chan Mia, 30, hailed from Palbari village in the upazila. Police said a chunk of mud collapsed on the two leaving Halim dead on the spot. Locals rescued Nurul in a critical condition and shifted him to the local health complex where he died in the evening.

A court here yesterday sentenced a woman to life term rigorous imprisonment (RI) for killing her husband. Convict Monwara was second wife of victim 45-year-old Moshin Ali. The judge of Bogra Additional District and Sessions Judge Court-3 also fined Monwara Tk 20,000. According to the prosecution story, Monwara cut Moshin's penis at dead of night on June 23 in 2006 as he leased out 8 decimal of land against her will for marriage of Morsheda, an offspring of his first wife. Moshin died instantaneously. On investigation, Gabtoli police station sub-inspector (SI) Anwar Hossain submitted a charge sheet on June 31, 2007 against Monwara. Judge Nitai Chandra pronounced the verdict.

A snake charmer died here from snake-bite on Monday night. Victim Naren,45, hailed from Bakultala village under Bochagonj upazila in Dinajpur district. Naren was playing with a snake at Unatrish Mile bazaar under Thakurgaon Sadar upazila in the afternoon. All of a sudden the snake bite him on his right hand. After a few minutes he fell on the ground. Locals rushed him to Thakurgaon Sadar Hospital in a critical condition. There he died without treatment at about 7:30pm as no vaccination was available there.

People on Monday night caught red-handed an extortionist with a pipe-gun from Chandanganti village in Belkuchi upazila on Monday night. Extortionist Shah Alam, 24, is son of Monirul Islam of Garamashi village in the same upazila. At that time, Shah Alam was collecting illegal toll from two of his neighbours at gun point with the help of some of his accomplices. Hearing scream of the victims, locals rushed to the spot, chased the culprits and caught Shah Alam red-handed. But his accomplices managed to flee. Locals gave him a good beating and later handed him along with the firearm over to Belkuchi police. A case was also lodged with Belkuchi police station in this connection.

Letters

The city is coming to life again ...trees with new leaves. In spite of traffic jams, the newly grown leaves can make a person a little happy that still we have some greenery! This will inspire us to plant more!

I would like to thank The Daily Star for its recent articles on the recklessness and carelessness of the bus drivers in Dhaka. As in many other cases, I feel good that even in our society we have the writers in DS to be on our side, the public.

The present government wanted to make a Digital Bangladesh but what we find is digital load shedding all over the country and it is intolerable at Dhaka. The prices of essential goods are skyrocketing; corruption has increased dramatically; law and order situation has deteriorated significantly; human rights are at stake and government offices are not functioning smoothly!

It is known to people concerned that the capital market in Bangladesh has been developing rapidly but is suffering from tremendous short supply of stocks to invest. In addition to that in principle the government has accepted the policy of private, public partnership (PPP) to accelerate economic development. A mentionable amount has been allocated for PPP in the current national budget but even with the passing of nine months, the government could not make any investment. The government can address the problem by converting the Progoti Industries into a public limited company (PLC) and dispose of a portion of shares to public.

The Artho Rin Ain 2003 was introduced by the past BNP/Jamaat government as amended law of the Artho Rin Ain 2001. It has some provisions that violate the fundamental rights of citizens guaranteed by the country's Constitution.

Following the recent tragic death of two persons due to billboards crashing down on them, the Dhaka City Corporation (DCC) has already taken an initiative to dismantle all the illegal billboards. There are a lot of billboards in Chittagong also, which may cause such tragic death to pedestrians any time.

Every human being wants to lead an independent life. Every nation wants independence. We achieved our independence through the blood of millions of martyrs. This year the govt has started the trial of war criminals. It will be our achievement.

Cities in Bangladesh are getting larger every day, so are the numbers of roadside buildings. However, the beauty of a city largely depends on the colourful appearance of its on and off road installations.

We are an independent country. We have a flag of our own. That flag reveals our unity and brotherhood. Then why have we failed to establish a just social order? I watched one documentary in channel- i regarding the backwardness of the sweepers.

I have been reading the news about the Dhaka Wasa supplying stinky, filthy and contaminated water to the city dwellers for the last few days. But Wasa denies the allegations against it. Therefore, a parliamentary standing committee has taken some steps in this connection to have a good result immediately.

This refers to the comment of the Education Minister that the government will not tolerate any kind of anarchy in the public universities. Those who create disorder and hamper peaceful environment in the universities in the guise of studentship will be resisted with an iron hand. The minister was addressing a press conference after discussion with the vice chancellors of different public universities and chairman of the University Grants Commission on improving the standard of university education. He added that stern actions would be taken against those involved in killing, tender manipulation, extortions, seat business and admission trade. The minister called upon the university authorities to take tough action against those involved in crime.

I have seen an advertisement in your paper from electricity authorities. They have asked people to avoid extra lighting. I live at Nikunja-2 and normally use the airport road between 8:00--9:00pm every day when I return home.

Mental health is deeply influenced by climatic factors. It is now apparent that extreme climatic events can cause significant psychological stress with long-lasting effects on anxiety levels and depression. There would be more devastating permanent mental health impact on the survivors like a child. UNFCCC 4th report on global warming stated that there is a direct association between the presence of major mental illness like acute psychosis and schizophrenia in tropical countries. Extreme climate change events like heat stoke which manifest as delirium and other neuro-psychiatric syndromes characterized by altered consciousness to agitation, restlessness, unconsciousness and even death. Major population displacement after an extreme climatic event would cause social disruption, unemployment, social conflicts, mental unrest and economic burden and uncertainty as we see in Haiti following a massive earthquake. All these factors are associated with increased prevalence of mental disorders like anxiety, depression and stress disorders. Besides, increase salinity of water in the coastal area would hamper food production which results in malnutrition and child developmental disorders. Natural disasters have shown to result in increased domestic violence due to frustration and anger. Flood and drought cause food scarcity, hunger and malnutrition. Drought contributes to mental agony and depression among farmers due to financial hardship which increases suicide rate among them. According to DoE, the annual incidence of mental disorder was 22431 per year which was higher than that of Dengue (3305 per year).

Historically, traditionally and culturally, the people of our land tend to demarcate their premises with walls made of bricks. These walls invite graffiti and writings of all sorts ranging from political slogans to promotion of noodles and detergents in the form of posters and stickers. The city and its surroundings appear dirty, narrow and suffocating. People feel encouraged to… against the walls. The anti-social elements find easy refuge within the premises.

One of the sons of a close relative of mine in Bangladesh was a college drop-out. Before finishing his graduation he stopped his studies. We know him as a vagabond. He had long beard and long hair and was roaming about with some other bearded and long haired people. Now he reportedly has become a pious pir. According to his mother, he has reportedly earned some divine power. Not yet married, he wears lungi and easy shirts and roam about in the remote areas of the country.

International

Top diplomats from the world's leading economies are ramping up pressure on Iran to prove its nuclear ambitions are peaceful, renewing calls for the country to be hit with new international sanctions if it fails to comply.

Japan said yesterday it was "apprehensive" about the imminent execution of one of its nationals in China, the first time a Japanese has been put to death there since the nations normalised diplomatic ties in 1972.

Reiterating that his country wants a purposeful dialogue with India for an early resolution of all outstanding issues, including and Kashmir and the river water sharing dispute, Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi has said Islamabad is no hurry to hold talks with New Delhi.

The US military aid to Pakistan is a matter of concern for India, which has been conveyed to the Obama administration, Air Chief Marshal P V Naik said today. "The aid being given to Pakistan is a matter of concern to us definitely and we have made it known.

Japan Foundation assisted Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy (BSA) in organising a weeklong workshop on Japanese water-based woodcut prints. As part of the initiative an exhibition of Japanese artworks is being held at National Art Gallery, BSA.

The 12-day Independence Day programme organised by Pabna district administration concluded recently. The district administration accorded reception to five renowned individuals with gold medals on the concluding day.

A three-day programme, featuring a book fair and screening of several films on the Liberation War, begins today at the Shawkat Osman Auditorium, Central Public Library, says a press release. State Minister for Liberation War Affairs Captain (Retd.) A.B.M Tajul Islam is expected to inaugurate the programme. Bangladesh Enterprise for Development and Security Studies is the organiser of the programme.

Today TV channel Banglavision turns four. To mark the anniversary, a press conference was held at Banglavision office on March 29. CEO of Banglavision, Mohammad Barkatullah addressed the press conference.

OP-ED

ABSURDITIES sometimes add spice to life, especially ours here in this unfortunate country. When some loyalists of the late General Ziaur Rahman unabashedly informed us the other day that it was he who was Bangladesh's first president, we were not quite surprised. And we were not because of so many other silly happenings we have come across over the years. So when we are enlightened on the fiction of Zia being our first president, we wonder if one of these days someone will not spring forth to inform us that Zia also had a secret role to play in the formulation of the Six Points in the 1960s.

THE United States and Pakistan held their first strategic dialogue at the ministerial level in Washington on March 24. The talks were co-chaired by Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and Pakistani Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi.

BANGLADESH can celebrate quite a few achievements since independence. These include growing per capita income, lower rate of poverty, and better human development indicators. Nevertheless, moving forward with the development agenda is daunting. Some 59 million people (40 percent of the total population) are officially classified as poor. Per capita income has now grown to about $700 (estimated for 2010), which is still substantially lower than the South Asian average and 55 percent lower than that in India. These concerns are well known to the policy makers. What has received far less attention is the challenge of creating good jobs.

MORE than eight years after dismantling the Taliban, the United States is still mired in Afghanistan. Indeed, last October, it launched a much-hyped "surge" to prevent a second Taliban takeover of Afghanistan, not imminent yet, but eminently possible.